Several fires along area highways over the past few days are believed to
be caused by vehicles or trailers causing sparks, and from from tire
blow outs.
Wichita County Emergency Management Officials and volunteer fire
departments are urging highway drivers to be extremely cautious while on
the roads.

One Wichita County commissioner said "thanks, but no thanks" to his county raise.
This morning, Ray Gonzalez donated that money to four volunteer fire departments.
Gonzalez said as an elected official, he knew how much money he'd be making when he campaigned for the position.
So, during the budget process, he said he would not accept a raise.
Instead, he gave 600 dollar checks to the Wichita West, Wichita East, Cameron Gardens, and Kamay Volunteer Fire Departments.

Hayden Hansen
Wichita East VFD Chief
"Every little bit helps. We appreciate every little bit we get. Six
hundred dollars is actually a great amount of money to us. We're used to
25 dollar checks here and there -- so 600 dollars will come a long way
to replace a lot of things and get us back on our feet to get ready for
another crazy year in the fire department world."

Ray Gonzalez
Wichita County Commissioner (Pct. 1)
"I saw firsthand all the sacrifices they make - because everything is on
a donation to operate on, and I felt that they were most deserving."